Just popping in to say a quick hello and to show these fun, preppy pants from Crewcuts. After being surprisingly pleased with their apple pants with a handy adjustable waist, I couldn't resist this pair in spearmint gingham for $25. I returned my Gap kids mint jeans from earlier this season because I knew they wouldn't get enough wear. These have been the perfect replacement - they're a favorite for studying at the office (comfy but not too casual), and also work-appropriate on "denim" Fridays.

I have been wearing this blazer a little too much, but the spring green
color just brightens up any outfit. Last month, I started a new job and
my new team is mostly men who don't care much about clothes...
...although I
miss the fashionistas on my old team, I thoroughly enjoyed being able to
wear favorite pieces repeatedly without receiving raised brows (my former
colleague could not tolerate seeing my Gap nude blouses one more time ;
). That is, until this jacket got dubbed my "Masters jacket" while the
team was streaming the tournament on their computers. It received so
much acclaim, that I now have to reserve it for select wear...sigh!

This outfit was made possible/enabled by shrewd Twitter friends. Thank you Jen E. for sharing that this blouse was on clearance for a mere $9 in my size. It was on the other side of the country, so I did pay $7.50 for shipping, but it has more than gotten it's worth in wear. At first, I was surprised that something retailing for $80 was made of 100% polyester, but it wears beautifully and is so wonderfully low-maintenance. And thank you again Val
for doing research on these pants and getting all the measurements for us.
Now that I have several items from Crewcuts,
I'd like to point out how inconsistent their sizing can be, even in the same styles. For the apple pants in the same "cafe capri" cut and
same kids size 12 (see review), I had to tighten the adjustable waist band by about 3
notches on each side for it to fit. These, on the other hand, are very
snug when zipped up with no room for adjustment. The hips feel a tiny
bit tighter too, but the legs and length feel exactly the same. It's
unfortunate that J.Crew has so much size inconsistency, especially since
they often do final sale.
I bought this scarf a year ago after many of us fell in love with it on Cee (and for a mere $10!). It never got much wear, but I recently rediscovered it and have been throwing it around all of my purses. It looks great on satchels, a speedy, Chanel...even a longchamp, and just adds new dimension to an outfit. I kept seeing the look around town on older, polished-looking ladies, and don't know why I didn't try it more often!

106 comments:

I love the navy / green combo and also adding a scarf to a bag. I had a giant nude colored bag that looked so boring until I threw a colorful scarf on it to add some interest. The blues of the bag and the scarf look incredible together!

The scarf goes so well with your purse. I've always wanted to try tying scarves onto my bags, but I guess I haven't found the right scarf to match with my bags yet. I do attach fox tails to my bags. : )

I adore this look, Jean! You've taken the chaos of monochrome + print-on-print and made it super classy.And thank you so much for boldly sharing the kids-section-shopping tip.I owe you a ton in alterations bills! :)

The scarf is so classy and I love the slant pockets on these capris! I took advantage of that Jcrew tip you shared about returning multiple orders with one label. I ordered a ton of non-sale items to try and hope I can rebuy the winners during final sale.

Love this look and the perfect scarf bow on your bag. I've been tying various scarves on my brown work bag and those scarves make me fall in love with the bag all over again. :) love that little accents like a scarf can make a world of difference for an old flame.

I am kind of obsessed with green and navy right now (and this look is lovely on you!) I just put up two green + navy combos on my blog and have a third one coming. Might be time for me to try something else. :)

This post of yours makes me happy as I can put inspiration on it in wearing my capri's.Love the color blocking, very lovely to look at and the accessories you've match fits well.The blazer is adorable and so with the bag.:)

Hi Angela - I no longer have the tag, but unfortunately it was from (3?) seasons ago ... it won't be in-stores anymore because when I bought it in Jan, it was already on final sale being moved out of their system. I do think there's a chance their Factory store might bring it back (they usually do that for popular items), or it might pop up on a place like eBay?

LOVE this outfit! Especially the blazer and the blouse. I've never tried wearing a scarf on my bag, but then again, I don't have any nice-enough bags to try it with. One day when I can splurge on a quality bag, I'll try the scarf accessory!

hi jean, GORGEOUS as always!!!i had a question...how much do you usually spend on CLs on ebay. i am looking to buy a pair but im not sure what's "too cheap" to be considered counterfeit...thank you! i saw a pair of prives that were GORGEOUS for $400 (brand new with two impressions on sole) but that just seems so cheap for something new...so i wanted to ask you since you seem to really nail this stuff!

Hi there - I don't think there's a good "set" price to use as a standard, because it depends on the condition, the popularity of the style, the seller feedback ... etc. I think $400 is actually fairly high for pre-owned, but for a super classic style like prives in great shape, it is reasonable. I definitely don't think they are "too cheap" to be authentic. The ones I watch on eBay usually go for $300 or less, but they are not the true classic styles. Classic nude and black pumps do go for more.

Question: do you ever carry that bag (or similar bags) over the shoulder? I love how it looks on your arm, but with 2 kids I need something that leaves both hands free. I always think a large-ish bag like that would like odd over the shoulder, which defeats the purpose of that extra strap. ThoughtsPS, you look professional and cute at the same time.

Hi there - yes, definitely, I actually carry this bag mostly over the shoulder as as "book" bag. Look for bags that have pliable shape/slouchy silhouettes, versus structured, squarish bags, so that they don't look too large when worn over the shoulder.

So glad your kept the blazer. If I remember correctly, you had considered returning it. The color looks fabulous on you, love the pants. I wish I could wear crewcuts :( But alas, although petite, I am a size 4/6 and could not even dream about fitting into those tiny pants. Love your blog, keep up the good work!

It is very unfortunate that JCrew's sizing is soo random that I refuse to buy things final sale online unless I've tried it on in store which is such a pain with so many online only items. But anywho Love scarves tied to handbags. Sometimes it can add a pop of color and print to an otherwise boring outfit for the office when going out right after work.I actually just showed a scarf on the handbag look on a recent post! http://stylingbynumbers.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-working-with-neons.html

Jean, you look AWESOME!!!!!!!!! absolutely love the colors (: Unlike you, I wear scrubs to work...and on most of my days off, I'm at home. But I'm definitely trying to be more adventurous with the colors, jewelry, etc. It's too hot in Texas to layer anything right now (except maybe layering tank tops!). I have been so inspired to dress better when I go out. Thanks once again for the inspiration (:

A BIG ditto on j.crew sizing. I have their Cafe Capri in THREE different sizes because each pair fits differently. I purchased two last year - a dusty pink and a camel - and a green color this year. I wish they'd work in this, as I am always fearful of ordering from their final sale for this reason.

Thank you for the shout out, Jean! I'm glad you love the blouse. My recommendation whenever ordering a sale item through Style Finder at Ann Taylor/LOFT is to order a small full price item with it (i.e., a tank top) and they will waive the shipping fee. This only works for card members though (free shipping on full price items). Then you can return the full price item if it doesn't work out for you. A kind SA gave me that recommendation when I placed a Style Finder order in-store - it's almost the same as adding free shipping fillers when you order online!

Ack! (a good ack!) I love this outfit on you!! Everything is perfect! Matchy-match...but not the boring kind (like Elle has been recently discussing) The necklace is amazing.

So glad you got that AT blouse! I picked it up as well and love it. I would suggest a bralette underneath for a night out (if you decide to wear it solo). For me, I think it is too sheer to wear with a regular bra.

And the Banana bag with the scarf is gorgeous!

Love that your new teammates like golf! Thursday through Sunday that is what is on our tv...so much better than football, in my opinion! And listening to the commentators...golf terminology can sound so dirty...it is hilarious!

And the mint and navy are amazing together! Reminds me of the J. Crew bracelet I just picked up!

You have me all over the place and chatty tonight with your outfit! :p

Very cute outfit! Could you please tell us the style number of your Chanel sunglasses? They look amazing! It is really difficult for me to find frame that fit my face shape and your Chanel sunglasses look very nice!

Hi there - they are 5182 but they are from several years ago. I saw a very similar tortoiseshell version out currently, though! I suggest going into a store that has a wide selection of Chanel sunglasses and trying them on. I owned two pairs before this, including their signature solid frame with mother-of-pearl CC's on both sides, and they were so big on my face and kept slipping off my nose. These fit much better!

thanks for sharing! I picked these up along with the apple pair after seeing your first post on the crewcuts cafe capri. I was stumped on what top to pair with the gingham and this has definitely helped!

I have been so frustrated with crewcuts size differences. I got a 12 in the apple and 14 in the gingham! guess that's what you get with kids sizing!

Hi , your blog is amazing i can not stop watching you previous post, you have great tips and not just for petite women i fall in love with your blog! answer to your questions of course that i love accesorize my look with an scarves on a handbag but to be honest i did not do it in a long time !!thank you for the inspiration !!!love the outfit you look great!xx

Hi Jean, you look stunning as always! Btw, could you please share the link of the scarf from ebay? Or the store url? I vaguely remember a post of yours a while back on scarves from ebay but couldn't find it anymore. Thank you so much!

=o) Hi Jean. Thanks for sharing your style wisdom. I've been skulking around your blog for the past month or so. I'm not petite, but I love your blog. Thought of you today b/c of this: http://www.gilt.com/sale/women/amrita-singh-jewelry-855

I stumbled on your blog a couple of weeks ago, and I just have to say I love your style! As a busy mother of two little girls, it feels like ages since I've gone shopping for myself. I'm so focused on my girls these days. But seeing your blog makes me realize how desperately I need to update my wardrobe. I've always found shopping for petite clothes such a pain, but you offer so many great reviews and tips. Thanks!